Generations take the field as Titan Thunder Marching Band hits a high note at UWO’s 100th Homecoming

Chris Marchiando, '94, plays alongside his son Marco Marchiando, a drummer in the UW-Oshkosh Titan Thunder Marching Band, for a special 100th Homecoming halftime performance that included 42 alumni, staff and parents. (Photo courtesy of Hannah May, TTMB alumna.)

As the snare drums cracked across Titan Stadium during rehearsal, Chris Marchiando '94, and his son Marco, a University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student, found themselves side by side-father and son playing in sync before taking the field for UWO's 100th Homecoming.

They were among 42 alumni, staff and family members who joined the Titan Thunder Marching Band (TTMB) for a Queen-themed halftime show during the football matchup against UW-Eau Claire. The special performance, part of a once-in-a-century celebration, ended on a triumphant note as the Titans defeated the Blugolds 28-21.

"Playing with Marco is wonderful," said Chris Marchiando, who majored in radio TV film and worked years in the industry before settling in a family business. "We share a lot of musical interests, and for me to be part of something he loves, it's just great."

Marco, a sophomore from Sheboygan and double major in history and political science, grinned when asked who's the better drummer.

"He'll say him," the younger Marchiando said. "But depending on what we're playing, I might agree."

Marco said performing together felt like an extension of something they've always done. "We've jammed together since I was little, but this is different," he said. "Being part of something this big, with both of us contributing to the sound-that's something special."

This was the second year the father-son duo performed together at Homecoming, part of a growing tradition that's bringing generations of musicians together through the Titan Thunder Marching Band.

Now in its fourth season, the Titan Thunder continues to expand its reach.

"The staff and I spend 12 months a year working to create an exceptional experience for our marching band students," said Joseph Scheivert, associate director of bands and director of athletic bands. "Seeing TTMB alumni return for Homecoming is a fulfilling and tangible reminder that we're doing something right."

Last year Scheivert noticed a few UWO alumni joining who were also parents of current TTMB members. He decided to extend the invitation to perform to any parent of current marching band members.

"Most band parents don't actually get to perform on the field alongside their own children," he said. "This seemed like a simple way to create a really meaningful experience for those families. It adds a whole new layer to our Homecoming celebration."

Noel Tiarks was grateful for the opportunity to play with her son John Tiarks, a freshman from Tomah, majoring in marketing and music education.

"I am not an alum, so I had him ask if it was OK," said Noel, who played the cymbals, while her son played the trumpet. "We were told I was welcome to join. I look forward to next year!"

John said what brought him to UW-Oshkosh were opportunities to be part of the campus bowling team and Titan Thunder Marching Band. He noted he's been in band since his 6th grade year.

Purpose, pride, power

This year's show, titled Homecoming QUEEN, featured a medley of the legendary rock band's hits: We Will Rock You, Don't Stop Me Now and Bohemian Rhapsody. The crowd clapped and sang along as the joint ensemble filled Titan Stadium with brass, drums and soaring melodies.

First-year music industry major Brooklyn Grimm of Weyauwega kept the rhythm steady in the percussion section while her mom, Tricia (Stuhr) Grimm, played piccolo. Tricia graduated in 1992 with a bachelor's degree in business, with an emphasis in computer computer science. As a student, Tricia played flute in the symphonic band her first year.

"It was amazing to be on the field with Brooklyn for homecoming," Tricia said. "I was a little nervous because I haven't been out on the field with a marching band since 1988."

Brooklyn, who also performs flute and piccolo in UWO's concert ensembles, didn't think her mom needed to worry.

"She's better at piccolo, but I've played more on the field. We balance each other out," said Brooklyn, who started playing percussion at age 7. "It feels full circle. My mom went here and now she gets to see me branch out and do different things."

Mother-son duo Brinda and Vincent Glatczak also shared the field for the first time. Brinda, a 2004 education graduate, hadn't marched since high school but said she couldn't pass up the chance to play bass drum beside Vincent, a sophomore radio TV film major.

"Vincent loves band, and I try to make it to all his performances," Brinda said. "I thought it would be a fun thing to do together."

Vincent, who plays sousaphone, said he was thrilled when his mom decided to join.

"She's been super supportive of everything I do," he said. "When I sent her the Homecoming sign-up link, she asked, 'Would it be weird because I'm your mom?' I told her it wouldn't be weird at all. I'm super excited to be sharing the field with her."

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